US6639209B1 - Method of automatic standardized calibration for infrared sensing device - Google Patents
Method of automatic standardized calibration for infrared sensing device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US6639209B1 US6639209B1 US10/045,302 US4530201A US6639209B1 US 6639209 B1 US6639209 B1 US 6639209B1 US 4530201 A US4530201 A US 4530201A US 6639209 B1 US6639209 B1 US 6639209B1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- infrared
- output
- emitter
- detector
- control module
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related, expires
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
- H04B10/07—Arrangements for monitoring or testing transmission systems; Arrangements for fault measurement of transmission systems
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
- G06Q20/32—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using wireless devices
- G06Q20/327—Short range or proximity payments by means of M-devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
- G07F13/02—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume
- G07F13/025—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume wherein the volume is determined during delivery
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
- G07F13/06—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
- G07F13/06—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof
- G07F13/065—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof for drink preparation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
- G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
- G07F9/026—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
- H04B10/11—Arrangements specific to free-space transmission, i.e. transmission through air or vacuum
- H04B10/114—Indoor or close-range type systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
- H04B10/11—Arrangements specific to free-space transmission, i.e. transmission through air or vacuum
- H04B10/114—Indoor or close-range type systems
- H04B10/1143—Bidirectional transmission
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C2201/00—Transmission systems of control signals via wireless link
- G08C2201/40—Remote control systems using repeaters, converters, gateways
- G08C2201/42—Transmitting or receiving remote control signals via a network
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C2201/00—Transmission systems of control signals via wireless link
- G08C2201/50—Receiving or transmitting feedback, e.g. replies, status updates, acknowledgements, from the controlled devices
- G08C2201/51—Remote controlling of devices based on replies, status thereof
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of infrared detecting devices and more particularly to the automatic standardized calibration of infrared detection devices.
- IR infrared
- processing electronics determine the reflection has exceeded a threshold value, a control signal opens a solenoid valve.
- a pulsed IR beam is reflected from an object (such as a user's hands) and sensed to determine whether to activate or deactivate a solenoid valve to control water flow from the water control device. Pulsed IR sensing remains at the forefront of sensing techniques used with these types of devices due in part to its reasonable performance and low cost.
- infrared sensing devices such as, for example, automatically activated flow control devices
- the lost cost IR sensing devices employed in automatically activated flow control devices vary with respect to power requirements, performance, and other criteria.
- readings taken by these IR sensing units are generally non-uniform from device to device, and therefore often result in improper activation and deactivation of some devices.
- battery power for these devices decreases over time, so does the power output of the IR sensing devices.
- infrared sensing units have an IR emitter and IR detector embedded in an electronics board in the collar of a faucet.
- each emitter and detector has to be screened, requiring technicians to manually adjust settings when they go through calibration steps.
- a technician is required to make measurements and adjustments to the main electronics board which is time consuming and costly.
- the present invention provides a method for calibrating infrared detecting devices which detect the presence of an object by detecting an IR reflection.
- the output of the IR detector is calibrated by a control module which receives the output of the IR detector and regulates the output of the IR emitter.
- a single standard pair of an IR detector and an IR emitter is sufficient to calibrate an unlimited number of control modules.
- the method eliminates the need to manually calibrate and adjust each IR detector and IR emitter that is part of the infrared detecting device.
- the method uses a standard IR detector and IR emitter with output characteristics in the middle of a suitable operating range.
- the control module activates the IR emitter with an input value to emit IR radiation which is reflected from a standard object at a standard distance from the IR emitter to an IR detector which is also a standard distance from the object.
- the output from the IR detector is transmitted to a control module. If the IR detector output is out of the desired range, a calibration manager directs the signal processor to increase or decrease the output of the IR emitter. This process is repeated until the output of the IR detector is within midrange.
- the value of the corresponding input to the IR emitter to achieve this midrange output value of the IR detector is stored in the nonvolatile memory of the control module and the calibration manager reprograms itself to use this calibration value of input to the IR emitter as a reference standard.
- FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a fluid dispensing system in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the fluid dispensing system depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the architecture and functionality of an infrared detection system depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- FIGS. 1 and 2 show a fluid dispensing system that employs an infrared detection system 9 in accordance with the present invention.
- the fluid dispensing system 8 includes an automated faucet 10 .
- Automated faucet 10 has plumbing 11 in line with a solenoid valve 12 and a mixing valve 13 , which is connected to a hot water source 14 and a cold water source 15 .
- Faucet 10 also has IR emitter 16 and IR detector 17 on a sensor board in a collar 18 around faucet 10 .
- the sensor board is preferably connected electrically to control module 19 by connector 20 .
- the connector 20 provides IR emitter 16 and IR detector 17 interface to module 19 .
- Control module 19 output is also connected electrically to solenoid 12 by connector 21 .
- the calibration manager 38 in control module 19 controls the intensity and duration of each pulse emitted from IR emitter 16 .
- the emitted IR radiation is reflected from the hands to IR detector 17 .
- IR detector 17 sends an output to calibration manager 38 which may then signal solenoid controller 40 (see FIG. 2) to open solenoid valve 12 so that water will flow out of faucet 10 .
- solenoid controller 40 see FIG. 2
- the absence of sufficiently detected IR radiation signals control module 19 to close or deactivate solenoid 12 .
- IR emitter 16 To insure proper operation it is desirable to calibrate the IR emitter 16 , IR detector 17 , associated circuitry amplifiers 30 and 31 , and signal processor 34 . This may be performed during manufacturing and heretofore has required manual calibration. In accordance with the present invention, calibration can now be performed automatically by the calibration manager 38 using electronic or software methodology or a combination thereof.
- FIG. 2 shows the components of an infrared detecting device used in the calibration procedure for the present invention.
- Sensor board 22 in collar 18 has IR emitter 16 and IR detector 17 which are connected to IR emitter amp 30 and IR detector amp 31 , respectively.
- Control module 19 has a power supply 33 which provides power to a signal processor 34 , a programmable memory 35 with computing capability, a solenoid power source 36 , and a solenoid switch 37 .
- Memory 35 also has a calibration manager 38 , calibration data 39 , and solenoid controller 40 .
- the solenoid switch 37 under the control of solenoid controller 40 , can open solenoid valve 12 .
- control module 19 may communicate with a remote computer 39 so that computer 39 can remotely monitor the memory 35 for computing capability and calibration values obtained during a calibration procedure.
- Computer 39 typically is adapted to use any of the known operating systems and comprises a processor, random access memory, read only memory, disk drives, display, communications applications, and the like.
- the value of outputs produced by the IR detector and IR emitter will have optimal or standard ranges in which the infrared detecting device can operate satisfactorily. These predetermined maximum and minimum output ranges and the midpoint of these output ranges can be entered into calibration data 39 in memory 35 .
- the infrared detection and calibration system 9 includes sensor board 22 , memory 35 , and signal processor 34 .
- Calibration manager 38 is configured to direct signal processor 34 to send an appropriate input signal to IR emitter amp 30 to cause IR emitter 16 to emit a given amount of infrared radiation. This radiation is detected by IR detector 17 and an input signal is thereby sent to IR detector amp 31 which then sends an amplified output signal to signal processor 34 . Signal processor 34 then transmits this output signal to calibration manager 38 . Calibration manager 38 is further configured to evaluate this output signal based on a standard range of values contained in calibration data 39 and thereby execute appropriate commands to signal processor 34 regarding input signals to IR emitter 16 to emit infrared radiation, or to solenoid controller 40 to direct signal processor to open or close solenoid valve 12 .
- FIG. 3 shows a method of the present invention for calibrating the IR emitter 16 and IR detector 17 with connected circuitry in control module 19 during manufacture or during commercial use.
- the present methodology employed in the IR detection system 9 requires the use of a selected pair consisting of a single IR emitter and a single IR detector which serves as a standard for calibrations of multiple control modules. This selected pair may be thought of as a golden standard. In the example of the automatic faucet, it may be considered a standard or “golden” collar 18 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the standard collar is connected to a control module 19 to conduct a calibration reflection test. Typically, in this test, a white card is placed a given distance from the IR emitter 16 , simulating the hands of a user, for example.
- IR detector 16 Prior to activation of IR emitter 16 by control module 19 , IR detector 16 will detect background IR radiation. In addition, when IR emitter 16 is activated by control module 19 , control module 19 provides an input signal to IR emitter 16 whereby IR emitter 16 produces an infrared signal or pulse (IR radiation) having an amplitude based on this input signal. In the absence of the IR emitter energy, some IR radiation may reflect back from other surrounding surfaces. This background and randomly reflected IR radiation (sometimes referred to as “ambient infrared radiation”) is detected, measured, and can be used to make a correction for reflected IR radiation from the white card (or user's hands), by calibration manager 38 in memory 35 of control module 19 (step 43 ).
- IR radiation infrared signal or pulse
- the reflection test is then initiated by calibration manager 38 in memory 35 of control module 19 .
- Calibration manager 38 directs signal processor 34 to activate IR emitter 16 to emit a known amount of IR radiation, which is reflected from the white card to the IR detector 17 .
- IR detector 17 thereby sends an output signal to the signal processor 34 , the strength or amplitude of the output signal being proportional to the strength of the detected infrared radiation (step 44 ).
- the signal processor 34 sends the IR detector output signal to control manager 38 in memory 35 of control module 19 which determines whether the output signal is within the predetermied range or near the approximate midpoint within the predetermined range of standard values contained in calibration data 39 (step 45 ). If not, control module 19 , through signal processor 34 , increases or decreases the output of the IR emitter by increasing or decreasing the output of IR emitter amp 30 a desired increment (step 46 ) by sending an appropriate input signal to said IR emitter amp 30 and, hence, to IR emitter 16 . The reflection test is then repeated until the IR detector output is within the predetermined range, preferably near the midrange (steps 44 , 45 , 46 ). Correction can be made to the detector output value, if desired, by subtracting randomly reflected IR generated output from the detector output generated by reflection from the white card.
- the value of the IR emitter input that generated the satisfactory IR detector output is measured by said signal processor 34 and is sent from said signal processor 34 to calibration data 39 where the input value is stored permanently in nonvolatile memory (step 47 ).
- Calibration manager 38 is configured to then reprogram itself and thereafter to generate an emitter input signal based on the stored value until the next recalibration (step 48 ).
- a single golden collar comprising one emitter/detector pair can be used to calibrate an unlimited number of control modules 19 .
- the calibration occurs in the calibration manager 38 in memory 35 of control module 19 , electronically or with software, or a combination thereof.
- This method accordingly, facilitates the manufacture and maintenance of infrared detection devices by avoiding the need to manually calibrate the IR detector and/or the IR emitter that are manufactured with each control module 19 .
- IR emitter 16 or outputs from IR detector 17 may be measured in current or voltage.
- Various types of IR emitters and/or detectors may be employed to implement the IR emitter 16 and/or the IR detector 17 of the present invention.
- Sensor board 22 may have other structural features contained therein, such as a microprocessor or an IRDA photodiode for diagnostic and maintenance functions, or a power supply and power source.
- IR emitter amp 30 is contained in control module 19 , but could be contained in sensor board 22 .
- Control module 19 may have any suitable type of microprocessor or computer to perform programming, software implementation, and data storage and memory.
- the control module may use an AC source of power instead of batteries.
- the white card may be replaced by any desired object for reflecting emitted infrared radiation.
Abstract
Description
Claims (27)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/045,302 US6639209B1 (en) | 2000-10-24 | 2001-10-23 | Method of automatic standardized calibration for infrared sensing device |
US10/650,156 US6770869B2 (en) | 2000-10-24 | 2003-08-28 | Method of automatic standardized calibration for infrared sensing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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US24289800P | 2000-10-24 | 2000-10-24 | |
US26744101P | 2001-02-08 | 2001-02-08 | |
US10/045,302 US6639209B1 (en) | 2000-10-24 | 2001-10-23 | Method of automatic standardized calibration for infrared sensing device |
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US10/650,156 Continuation US6770869B2 (en) | 2000-10-24 | 2003-08-28 | Method of automatic standardized calibration for infrared sensing device |
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US6639209B1 true US6639209B1 (en) | 2003-10-28 |
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US10/045,302 Expired - Fee Related US6639209B1 (en) | 2000-10-24 | 2001-10-23 | Method of automatic standardized calibration for infrared sensing device |
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US20060130908A1 (en) * | 2004-01-12 | 2006-06-22 | Marty Gary R | Valve body assembly with electronic switching |
US20060200903A1 (en) * | 2005-03-14 | 2006-09-14 | Rodenbeck Robert W | Position-sensing detector arrangement for controlling a faucet |
US20070156260A1 (en) * | 2006-01-05 | 2007-07-05 | Rodenbeck Robert W | Method and apparatus for determining when hands are under a faucet for lavatory applications |
US20070266488A1 (en) * | 2006-05-22 | 2007-11-22 | Novita Co., Ltd. | Bidet having function of automatically adjusting human body detection distance |
US7690395B2 (en) | 2004-01-12 | 2010-04-06 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Multi-mode hands free automatic faucet |
US8089473B2 (en) | 2006-04-20 | 2012-01-03 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Touch sensor |
US8118240B2 (en) | 2006-04-20 | 2012-02-21 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Pull-out wand |
US8162236B2 (en) | 2006-04-20 | 2012-04-24 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Electronic user interface for electronic mixing of water for residential faucets |
US8365767B2 (en) | 2006-04-20 | 2013-02-05 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | User interface for a faucet |
US8376313B2 (en) | 2007-03-28 | 2013-02-19 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Capacitive touch sensor |
US8469056B2 (en) | 2007-01-31 | 2013-06-25 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Mixing valve including a molded waterway assembly |
US8561626B2 (en) | 2010-04-20 | 2013-10-22 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Capacitive sensing system and method for operating a faucet |
US8613419B2 (en) | 2007-12-11 | 2013-12-24 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Capacitive coupling arrangement for a faucet |
US8776817B2 (en) | 2010-04-20 | 2014-07-15 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Electronic faucet with a capacitive sensing system and a method therefor |
US8820705B2 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2014-09-02 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Faucet handle with angled interface |
US8944105B2 (en) | 2007-01-31 | 2015-02-03 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Capacitive sensing apparatus and method for faucets |
US8950019B2 (en) | 2007-09-20 | 2015-02-10 | Bradley Fixtures Corporation | Lavatory system |
US8997271B2 (en) | 2009-10-07 | 2015-04-07 | Bradley Corporation | Lavatory system with hand dryer |
US9170148B2 (en) | 2011-04-18 | 2015-10-27 | Bradley Fixtures Corporation | Soap dispenser having fluid level sensor |
US9175458B2 (en) | 2012-04-20 | 2015-11-03 | Delta Faucet Company | Faucet including a pullout wand with a capacitive sensing |
US9194110B2 (en) | 2012-03-07 | 2015-11-24 | Moen Incorporated | Electronic plumbing fixture fitting |
US9243392B2 (en) | 2006-12-19 | 2016-01-26 | Delta Faucet Company | Resistive coupling for an automatic faucet |
US9243756B2 (en) | 2006-04-20 | 2016-01-26 | Delta Faucet Company | Capacitive user interface for a faucet and method of forming |
US9267736B2 (en) | 2011-04-18 | 2016-02-23 | Bradley Fixtures Corporation | Hand dryer with point of ingress dependent air delay and filter sensor |
US9758953B2 (en) | 2012-03-21 | 2017-09-12 | Bradley Fixtures Corporation | Basin and hand drying system |
US10041236B2 (en) | 2016-06-08 | 2018-08-07 | Bradley Corporation | Multi-function fixture for a lavatory system |
US10100501B2 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2018-10-16 | Bradley Fixtures Corporation | Multi-purpose hand washing station |
US11015329B2 (en) | 2016-06-08 | 2021-05-25 | Bradley Corporation | Lavatory drain system |
US11091901B2 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2021-08-17 | Delta Faucet Company | Faucet handle with angled interface |
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